It is of course easy to dismiss instances such as the Holocaust as past events and events materialised as a result of their circumstances. However, even a cursory glance at the news today will show that extreme ideologies continue to plague human society and claim innocent lives in locations not so far from home. Whether it be the spread of ISIS in the Middle East, the persecution of Hindu minorities in Pakistan and Kashmir or the abduction of young schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Nigeria, extreme ideologies and dogmatic belief continue to impact millions of lives.
It should be noted that although the Jewish Holocaust is one that people across the world will have read about and come across in some way, other holocausts and instances of forced expulsion should also not be forgotten when considering the dangers of extreme ideologies. Having marked the forced exodus of Hindus from Kashmir on 19 January, the Hindu community should in fact have been reminded most poignantly of the fact that we can all be potential victims of extremism.
It is of course arguably easy for us, as members of a faith community that actively discourages dogma and rather encourages self-enquiry and exploration, to advance the argument that it is not for us to challenge extreme ideologies when we encounter then. Indeed, this has often been the case even in British society, with the relevant individuals and organisations often wary of challenging extremist ideologies for fear of being labelled discriminatory. However, we are in fact in a privileged position and, as set out below, the values we have been brought up with make it incumbent on us to challenge extremism and persecution.
As members of a faith and ideology that recognises the right of individuals to practice their values in their own way and free from any sort of pressure or compulsion, we often forget that others around us do not share these values. In practical terms therefore, unless we take it upon ourselves to keep reminding those around us of the dangers of extremism, such ideologies will continue. In fact, some would suggest going even further and recommend that we make an active effort to share our views and ideology with others – for CHN, for example, that could mean more sharing of the Hindu view on current affairs or even the hosting of more academic events critiquing the weaknesses of extremist ideologies.
It is only through this sharing of harmonious ideas and principles that dogma can be challenged. There is of course always a role for armed resistance by those authorised to do so, and only then in situations when it is appropriate. However, such actions are futile unless they are also accompanied with an active effort to challenge the beliefs that are driving those with extreme views to action. Unless we act as Hindus and spread the Dharmic values that can bring peace to the world, any other physical actions taken to challenge extremism will have limited success.
As young members of the Hindu community and, further, key members of and contributors to British society, the above should serve as a reminder to us of raising our voice when it is needed, and seeking to use the abilities we have to spread not only the age-old Hindu message of tolerance and cohesion, but also the recognition in Hindu philosophy that appropriate action should be taken when such values are challenged.
